SOHAR Port CEO Andre Toet has revealed that relocating commercial shipping lines from Muscat will add just 50 additional vehicles per hour to existing road users in Sohar when the move is completed in less than two months. He has also said that since many ships are already using the port, increases will be gradual.







Mr. Toet’s comments follow remarks made by Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Said Bin Saleh Al Kiyumi, concerning the ‘good work’ that is being done by the Royal Oman Police, and the need for further training and equipment in order to manage the increase in road freight traffic.



“We welcome any improvements in traffic management and recognise the importance of streamlining logistics for business efficiency, stimulating growth, and creating sustainable jobs for local families.



“That is why we are pleased to announce that, while road traffic will increase once Muscat’s commercial ships move to SOHAR, this will amount to just 50 additional vehicles per hour on local roads.



“This is only a small fraction of the 2,000 public and non-SOHAR related vehicles using the roads, so in this sense improving traffic flows should be about quality as much as it is about quantity,” Mr. Toet said.

The former Maersk Europe CEO’s comments echoed sentiments shared at an agents meeting designed to showcase how the port’s world-class terminals will accommodate the additional 300,000 TEU in container traffic, 200,000 freight tonnes of general cargo, and 70,000 cars, set to make the move from the capital.



SOHAR’s terminal operations already handle a remarkable cargo throughput of 50 million tonnes and are supported by some of the world’s leading freight, logistics, and storage companies. Two-thousand ships call at the port, and many more are serviced by companies while en route to a host of global destinations.



The move of commercial traffic to SOHAR is expected to reduce the pressure on Muscat’s congested roads, which Mr. Toet said will be equally vital as it primes itself for growth in tourism at Port Sultan Qaboos.



Meanwhile, the signing of contracts for 31 road projects worth 327 rials was also singled-out for praise.